Director of Estimation & Business Development - Landscaping

Black & Grey HR Consultancy FZE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading landscaping company in Abu Dhabi is looking for an Estimation & Business Development Director to drive strategic growth and market leadership. This role involves overseeing estimation functions to ensure competitive bids and managing business development strategies. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in the UAE market. Attractive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Attractive Salary

Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years in construction and/or landscaping industry.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing Estimation and Business Development.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE/GCC procurement processes and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business development strategy.
• Oversee estimation team for preparing cost estimates.
• Build and manage a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic growth strategy development

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, or related field

Master’s degree

Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, RICS, CCE)

Job description

Black & Grey HR is recruiting for a leading Landscaping Company based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Our client is looking to hire an Estimation & Business Development Director who will be responsible for driving the company's strategic growth and market leadership by overseeing the Estimation and Business Development functions. This pivotal role is responsible for crafting and executing a winning strategy to secure profitable projects, penetrate new markets, and build lasting client relationships. The Director will ensure the delivery of highly competitive and accurate bids, ultimately increasing win rates and revenue while strengthening the company's position as a leader in the UAE and GCC regions.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the company's growth targets for the UAE and GCC.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new project opportunities, strategic partnerships, and emerging market sectors.
• Cultivate and manage high-level, long-term relationships with key decision-makers at client organizations (including government entities, developers, and consultants).
• Act as the company's ambassador at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to enhance brand visibility and generate leads.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations and deliver compelling presentations to secure major contracts and alliances.
• Conduct continuous market analysis to monitor trends, competitor strategies, and client needs, providing strategic insights to the executive team.

Pre-Contract & Estimation Leadership

• Provide expert leadership to the estimation team in preparing comprehensive, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for landscaping, infrastructure, and construction tenders.
• Oversee the entire tender management process, ensuring all submissions are timely, compliant, and professionally presented.
• Guarantee that all estimates incorporate precise costing for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and include a thorough assessment of project risks.
• Foster strong collaboration with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure bids are both competitive and executable.
• Review and approve final tender submissions, including commercial proposals, technical clarifications, and contractual terms.
• Lead post-bid analysis to extract lessons learned and continuously refine estimation methodologies and strategies.

Team Leadership & Organizational Contribution

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of business development and estimation professionals.
• Define clear KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior leadership in business planning, budgeting, and resource forecasting.
• Champion seamless integration between pre-contract and post-contract activities to ensure project delivery success and client satisfaction.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, RICS, CCE) are highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 20 years of experience within the construction and/or landscaping industry.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role overseeing both Estimation and Business Development functions, with a proven track record in the UAE market.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE/GCC procurement processes, contractual frameworks, and market dynamics.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful growth strategies.
• Strong financial and business judgment with exceptional negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in building, inspiring, and leading high-performance teams.
• Outstanding ability to build trust and nurture relationships with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Expert-level analytical ability to dissect complex tenders and solve problems effectively.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills at all organizational levels.

Benefits

Attractive Salary + Benefits